When treating your acne, the first thing that you have to determine is whether your acne is simply a few flare-ups or something much more difficult to control. When most people seek a treatment for the first time, the most common assumption is that you will have a completely clear, blemish-free complexion that gleams like a celebrity. While you will find relief after 1 session, it takes commitment and consistency to really achieve clear skin.

Someone who uniquely understands this concept is Anjali Mahto, a London based consultant dermatologist, who very publically shared how many adults don’t simply “grow out” of their acne. Her goal with her message is to show the public that simply because someone is an expert in their field, does not make them immune to the same skin concerns we have.

“I really want people to realize that it is becoming very common to suffer with acne as an adult — it is not just a teenage problem that most people will grow out of — some people do not grow out of it.” – Anjali Mahto

Mahto suffers from cystic acne. Cystic acne are often larger, painful acne spots that will go through different stages of inflammation, but it is incredibly difficult to cure. Understanding the difference in your condition is also important when you are first reaching out to find relief because it helps you to manage your expectations. There is not one simple cure-all for acne. Everyone’s skin and concerns are different so assuming that one treatment or one product is going to cure everything is a bit unrealistic. However, with the help of people like Mahto, who are brave enough to share their story, and who are knowledgeable in their field, people living with acne may be able to find not physical and emotional relief.